Application of chemometric techniques: An innovative approach to discriminate two seaweed cultivars by physico-functional properties

Chemometric techniques were employed to discriminate two Indonesian seaweed cultivars (Kappaphycus alvarezii and Sargassum thoplicatum) based on their physico-functional properties. Data of physico-functional properties, including emulsifying activity and bulk density, were processed using multivariate, discriminant analysis (DA), principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis (CA). Significant differences (p < 0.05) and discrimination (multivariate analysis (F-9,F-14 = 57.85; Wilks's lambda = 0.02, p < 0.0001)) were determined among physico-functional properties of seaweed powders. In addition, DA method clarified (Lambda = 0.02 and chi(2) = 63.74) variations between samples along with two discriminate functions. Moreover, PCA (49.63% with Eigenvalues > 1) and CA (clusters 1 and 2) methods confirmed that the seaweed samples possessed differing physico-functional properties, which implied their distinctive use in food product development. Overall, our results demonstrated strong variation in seaweed powers using chemometrics, which might contribute to the rapid applicability of chemometrics in evaluating novel food material.